Preparation and characterization of poly(3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) nanocomposite using organophilic montmorillonite clay (Mag-cetyltrimethylammonium)

Nanocomposites of linear poly(3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) based on Algerian natural organophilic clay: montmorillonite–cetyltrimethylammonium named Maghnite-CTA were prepared by enhancing the dispersion of the matrix polymer in sheets of the organoclay. The effect of the organoclay, used with different amounts (3, 5, and 7% by weight) and the preparation method were studied in order to determine and evaluate their structural, morphological and thermal properties. X-ray diffraction analysis of obtained nanocomposites showed a significant change in the distance interlayer of montmorillonite–cetyltrimethylammonium. Therefore, interlayer expansion and exfoliation of linear poly(3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) between layers of montmorillonite–cetyltrimethylammonium were observed. The thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites were given by thermogravimetric analysis. The structure and morphology of the obtained materials were determined respectively by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. The results obtained have approved the privilege of the intercalation of linear poly(3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) in the interface of montmorillonite–cetyltrimethylammonium and the best quantity of organoclay required to prepare nanocomposite with a high thermal stability is 5% (by weight).